Introduction:
The sports card market is wasting no time heating up in 2026. As the new year begins, collectors and investors are already seeing major price movement, particularly in football cards tied to late-season momentum and playoff performances. Add in a breakout women’s college basketball star, and the market is proving once again that performance drives value.
This first Top 5 Sports Cards of 2026 by Sports Card Investor highlights the players whose cards are surging right now, powered by on-field success, increased collector demand, and renewed optimism for the year ahead.
Sports Card Market Pulse: Early Momentum Sets the Tone for 2026
While the year is still young, early indicators suggest the sports card market is entering 2026 with strength and confidence.
Key themes shaping the market right now include:
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NFL late-season and playoff performance driving quarterback card demand
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Rookie and second-year players are seeing sharp price spikes
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Women’s sports cards are continuing their upward trend, fueled by elite college performances
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Short-printed and case-hit cards outperforming base cards
Historically, strong January momentum often carries into the spring, especially when playoff narratives remain fresh. Collectors are clearly positioning early, and the data shows aggressive buying across football and basketball.
Top 5 Sports Cards of the Week
5. Audi Crooks
Audi Crooks has emerged as one of the most dominant players in women’s college basketball, and collectors are taking notice.
On the court:
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Averaging 29.1 points per game
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Shooting an incredible 71% from the field
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Iowa State ranked Top 15 nationally
Card market highlights:
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2024 Bowman’s Best University Yellow Laser Auto /75 Raw: Up 118%
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2024 Bowman’s Best University Refractor Auto Raw: Up 41%
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2024 Bowman’s Best University Green Mini Diamond /99 Raw: Up 27%
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2024 Bowman’s Best University Base Auto Raw: Up 107% from $30 to $62
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2024 Bowman Chrome University Purple Refractor /399 Raw: from $8-$9 to $13
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2024 Bowman Chrome University Prospect Auto Green Shimmer Refractor 1st Raw: from $44.30 to $100 30 days ago
📈 Why it matters:
Women’s basketball cards continue gaining legitimacy as long-term collectibles, and Crooks’ dominance makes her one of the strongest early leaders in the category for 2026.
4. Carson Beck
Carson Beck’s playoff performance has elevated both his national profile and his card values.
On the field:
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Led Miami to the College Football Playoff Final Four
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Efficient, composed performances in high-pressure games
Card market highlights:
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2023 Bowman Chrome University Auto PSA 10: Up 57% recently at about $85-$103
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2024 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto Raw: From $5 to $24
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2025 Bowman Chrome Big Kahuna Auto Raw: From $34–$61 to $77–$100
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2025 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto Blue Refractor /150 Raw: up a bit as well
📈 Why it matters:
Playoff exposure remains one of the most powerful drivers of college football card prices, and Beck’s trajectory has collectors betting on continued upside.
3. Puka Nacua
Puka Nacua closed the season as one of the NFL’s most dangerous wide receivers, and his cards are following suit.
December performance:
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33 receptions
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573 yards
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5 touchdowns
Card market highlights:
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2023 Donruss Rated Rookie PSA 10: From $26 to $35
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2023 Optic Base Rookie PSA 10: From $52 to $60
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2023 Optic Holo PSA 10: From $65 to $87
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2023 Prizm Silver PSA 10: From $135 to $203
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2024 Donruss Downtown Raw: From $308 to $413
📈 Why it matters:
Elite young receivers with proven production continue to outperform expectations in the card market, especially when they finish seasons strong.
2. Tyler Shough
One of the biggest surprises of the list, Tyler Shough’s late-season surge has made his cards some of the fastest movers entering 2026.
Late-season performance:
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Took over as a starter in November
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Finished 5–4 as a starter
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Won 4 of last 5 games
Card market highlights:
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2025 Donruss Downtown Raw: From $255 to $518
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2025 Donruss Rated Rookie Auto Orange Raw: From $25 to $118
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2025 Mosaic Rookie Auto Raw: From $30 to $110
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2025 Mosaic Kaleidoscopic SSP Raw: From $40-$50 to $113-$150
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2025 Mosaic Stained Glass SSP Raw: From $56 to $200–$300
📈 Why it matters:
Quarterbacks with momentum and perceived opportunity often see explosive short-term gains, and Shough fits that profile perfectly.
1. Trevor Lawrence
Trevor Lawrence of the Jacksonville Jaguars claims the top spot as the hottest card Market Movers to start 2026.
Recent performance:
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8-game winning streak to close the season
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Over 1,000 passing yards and 11 touchdowns in the final month
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Jaguars enter playoffs as one of the most dangerous teams
Card market highlights:
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2021 Optic Holo PSA 10: Up 50% from $110 to $175
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2021 Optic Downtown PSA 10: From $900–$1,000 to $1,500–$1,600
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2021 Prizm Base PSA 10: From $43 to $87
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2021 Prizm Silver Raw: From $7 to $30-$50
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2025 Absolute Kaboom Horizontal SSP Raw: From $450 to $630
📈 Why it matters:
Elite quarterbacks on playoff teams remain the backbone of the sports card market, and Lawrence’s resurgence has reignited collector confidence in his long-term value.
FAQs: Sports Card Market Insights for 2026
1. Why are football cards surging at the start of 2026?
Late-season success, playoff runs, and quarterback performance are driving renewed demand and aggressive buying.
2. Are women’s basketball cards a good investment?
Yes. Stars like Audi Crooks show that elite performance and media exposure can translate into strong card appreciation.
3. Should collectors focus on raw or graded cards right now?
Both. Raw cards offer short-term flip potential, while graded PSA 10s provide stability for long-term collectors.
4. What types of cards are seeing the biggest gains?
Case hits (Downtowns, Kabooms), short-printed autos, and rookie quarterback cards are leading the market.
5. Is early January a good time to buy sports cards?
Often, yes, early-year momentum can set trends before spring demand accelerates.
6. How can collectors track price changes accurately?
Market tracking tools like Market Movers allow collectors to monitor trends, price history, and volatility across millions of cards.
Conclusion: Momentum Is Everything in the 2026 Sports Card Market
The first Top 5 list of 2026 makes one thing clear: performance still drives value. From Trevor Lawrence’s playoff surge to Audi Crooks’ dominance in women’s college basketball, collectors are responding quickly and decisively.
As the year unfolds, staying ahead of momentum and understanding when hype turns into sustainability will be the key to success in the sports card market.
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